Top 10 Electric Utility Stocks To Own For 2014

While the talking heads in the financial media argue back and forth about economic strategy on interest rates, there are two inescapable facts. First, interest rates had been at all-time lows for almost five years. Second, as everybody thinking about buying a house knows, interest rates have gone up dramatically since May. We have written about how the bond market is an anticipatory device, and when leveraged debt traders get a whiff of economic growth, they head for the hills long before the actual rate increases.

The banking analysts at Oppenheimer took an in depth look at the top banks and financial stocks to evaluate which would feel the greatest effect from the rise in interest rates. Their conclusion is that the early phases of the rate cycle will be positive for bank stocks, but the later phases become increasingly risky. So they carefully screened for names that can still thrive. Here are the five top stocks to buy.

Capital One Financial Corp. (NYSE: COF) has become famous for its hilarious commercials featuring actor Alec Baldwin. The bank also is slowly but surely becoming one of the top credit card companies. The stock ranks as one of the top holdings in billionaire Andreas Halvorsen’s Viking Global hedge fund, which now owns 15 million shares. Oppenheimer has a $78 price target on the stock. The Thomson/First Call price target is $75. Investors are paid a 1.8% dividend.

10 Best Insurance Stocks To Watch Right Now: MEDL Mobile Holdings Inc (MEDL)

MEDL Mobile Holdings, Inc. incorporated on May 22, 2008 is a developer, incubator, marketer and aggregator of mobile application software (Apps). The Company is engaged in the monetization of mobile application software through four revenue generating platforms: development of customized Apps for third parties to monetize their particular intellectual property, persona or brand, incubation of Apps in partnership with third parties and from a library of more than 75,000 original Apps concept submissions, sale of advertising and sponsorship opportunities directly to brands via mobile advertising networks and acquisition of Apps from other developers and use of a application programming interface ( API).

The Company develops Apps for customers that vary in size from small start-ups to large multinational corporations, in a range of industries including retailing, fast food, air travel, medical devices, higher education and fashion. As of December 31, 2011, revenues its custom development accounted for approximately 93% of its total revenues. The Company prepares packages for sale in the Apple App Store and the Google Android Marketplace. This package includes app store copy, sample screen shots.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  Small cap stocks Digital Caddies Inc (OTCMKTS: CADY), MEDL Mobile Holdings Inc (OTCMKTS: MEDL) and Yappn Corp (OTCMKTS: YPPN) offer different ways to potentially profit from Internet or mobile technology. However, all three small cap stocks have also been the subject of paid promotions or investor relations types of activities. So will investors actually profit from the efforts of these small caps to profit from the Internet or mobile technology? Here is a quick reality check:

Top 10 Electric Utility Stocks To Own For 2014: Vale SA (VALE5)

Vale SA (Vale) is a Brazil-based metals and mining company. The Company services are divided into four segments: Bulk Material, including the extraction of iron ore, manganese and ferroalloys, as well as pellet production; Basic metals, comprising the production of non-ferrous minerals, including nickel, copper and aluminum; Fertilizers, including the production of potash, phosphate and nitrogen; and Logistic services, including cargo transportation for third parties divided into rail transport, port and shipping services. Additionally, Vale is active in investments in joint ventures and associate in other businesses. The Company operates through subsidiaries and jointly-controlled entities, incorporated in Brazil, Chile, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Mozambique, Singapore and the USA, among others. In December, 2013, the Company sold Sociedad Contractual Minera Tres Valles to Inversiones Porto San Giorgio SA. In December 2013, it sold entire stake in Log-in Logistica Intermodal SA. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ney Hayashi]

  Iron-ore producer Vale SA (VALE5) may be active after agreeing to pay 22.3 billion reais ($9.6 billion) to settle a tax dispute with Brazil over profits at its foreign units. Meatpacker Minerva SA may move after Russia lifted a ban on beef exports from one of its plants.

• [By Ney Hayashi]

  MSCI Inc. gauges of Brazilian energy and raw-materials companies, including Rio de Janeiro-based Petroleo Brasileiro SA (PETR4) and Vale SA (VALE5), have tumbled at least 16 percent in local currency terms in the past 12 months as the S&P GSCI Spot Index of commodities slid 8.9 percent.

Top 10 Electric Utility Stocks To Own For 2014: Endocan Corp (ENDO)

Endocan Corp, formerly The X-Change Corporation, incorporated on October 4, 2000, offers nutraceuticals and cosmetics in the United States. The Company provides lip balms, eczema moisturizing cream, sunscreen, and anti-ageing serum under the Phytiva brand name. The Company specializes in developing all natural, organic, bio hemp health, beauty, and cosmetics products.

The Phytiva serum uses only natural ingredients, including, but not limited to, hemp oil extract. The Company specializes in Cannabinoid-based extracts and products that target medical cannabis, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and social usage solutions through multiple Phytiva Brand product lines, products, and services.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  Next Generation Energy Corp (OTCMKTS: NGMC) and Dutch Gold Resources, Inc (OTCMKTS: DGRI) are the latest small cap stocks to announce their entry into the marijuana business while peer Endocan Corp (OTCMKTS: ENDO) sees some paid promotions or investor relations activities, but otherwise remains quiet. So will investors and traders alike achieve a high with any of these small cap marijuana stocks? Here is a quick reality check:

Top 10 Electric Utility Stocks To Own For 2014: AVG Technologies NV (AVG)

AVG Technologies N.V. (AVG), incorporated on March 3, 2011, provides software and online services. The Company is primarily engaged in the development and sale of Internet security software and online service solutions branded under the AVG name. The Company�� solutions include software and online services, include security, personal computer (PC) management, online backup and other products. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had approximately 15 million subscription users. AVG�� portfolio consists of Anti-Virus suite, Internet Security suite, Premium Security suite, AVG Mobilation, AVG Threatlabs, Family Safety, TuneUp Utilities and PC Tuneup, LiveKive and MultiMi. On January 4, 2011, the Company acquired DroidSecurity Ltd. On March 3, 2011, the Company established AVG Holding Cooperatief U.A. On May 18, 2011, the Company acquired iMedix Web Technologies Ltd. In August 2011, it acquired TuneUp Software GmbH. On August 19, 2011, AVG Technologies GER GmbH acquired TuneUp Software GmbH. On October 31, 2011, AVG Technologies Holdings B.V. acquired AVG Distribution Switzerland AG. In November 2011, the Company acquired Bsecure Solutions, Inc. On January 13, 2012, AVG Technologies USA, Inc. acquired OpenInstall, Inc. In May 2013, AVG Technologies NV acquired online privacy organisation PrivacyChoice.

The Company�� products include AVG Internet Security, AVG Anti-Virus, AVG Email Server Edition, AVG File Server Edition, AVG Linux Server Edition, AVG Rescue CD and AVG Remote Administration. The Company�� subsidiaries include AVG Technologies USA Inc., AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o., AVG Technologies UK Ltd, AVG Exploit Prevention Labs, Inc., AVG Technologies GER, GmbH, AVG Technologies FRA SAS, AVG Technologies HK, Limited, AVG (Beijing) Internet Security Technologies Company Limited, AVG Mobile Technologies Ltd, AVG Netherlands B.V., AVG Ecommerce CY Ltd, AVG Technologies Holding B.V., TuneUp Software GmbH, TuneUp Distribution GmbH, TuneUp Corporation and AVG Distribution Switzerland AG! .

The Company competes with Microsoft, Google, Apple, Qihoo, Tencent, Facebook, UniBlue, Symantec, Trend Micro, Avast!, Avira, Symantec, Carbonite, Dropbox, Intel Corporation, Trend Micro, Eset, Kaspersky Labs, Panda Software, Sophos, Rising, Kingsoft, Check Point and F-Secure.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Igor Novgorodtsev]

  InterActiveCorp (IACI) bought Ask.com for $1.85 billion in 2005. The new Perion will be worth only about 40% of that. After the merger, Perion will leapfrog its much larger rivals: Babylon and AVG (AVG). Finally, Perion should be able to increase its operating margins as it can spread its SG&A costs over a much larger base (Conduit EBITDA margin is 32% vs. Perion's 23%). Perion will keep its senior management team intact: Josef Mandelbaum will remain its CEO and Yacov Kaufman its CFO. Perion has successfully orchestrated a roll-up acquisitions of privately-held Sweetpacks and Smilebox, so I have high confidence that they know how to integrate a new business.

• [By MONEYMORNING]

  For instance, in the March 15 Private Briefing report, "Double Your Money With this Cyber-Hacking of America Stock," we recommended AVG Technologies NV (NYSE: AVG), an Amsterdam-based cybersecurity whose shares we believed were good for a 100% gain in a year.

• [By Seth Jayson]

  AVG Technologies (NYSE: AVG  ) reported earnings on April 24. Here are the numbers you need to know.

  The 10-second takeaway
  For the quarter ended March 31 (Q1), AVG Technologies beat expectations on revenues and crushed expectations on earnings per share.

Top 10 Electric Utility Stocks To Own For 2014: Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA (BMPS)

Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA is an Italy-based company engaged in the banking sector. It provides traditional banking services, asset management and private banking, including life insurance, pension funds and investment trusts. It operates though three business segments. The Retail Banking segment covers consumer lending, insurance, provision of financial and non-financial services to retail customers, wealth management, tax planning, financial advisory and planning for private customers. The Corporate Banking division oversees the Group's business strategies targeted to small and medium enterprises, institutions and large corporate for which it offers leasing, factoring, lending and financial products, among others. The Corporate Center segment includes the cancellation of intergroup entries, treasure, governance and support functions. In January 2014, the Company completed the sale of its entire shareholding in Sorin SpA, equal to approximately 5.7%. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Corinne Gretler]

  Kesko Oyj, Finland�� biggest publicly traded retailer, rallied 9 percent. Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA (BMPS) added 2 percent as Italy�� third-largest lender set out a plan to return to profit after cutting costs and raising capital as part of its restructuring plan. Speedy Hire Plc sank the most since 2009 after the construction-equipment leasing company said it found evidence of false accounting at one of its units.

Top 10 Electric Utility Stocks To Own For 2014: Alliance Creative Group Inc (ACGX)

Alliance Creative Group Inc. (ACG), incorporated on June 1, 2000, is a printing, packaging, product development, management, marketing and consulting company. The Company comprises of five key components: Creative & Design, Printing & Packaging, Product Development, Event Marketing and Business Consulting & Strategic Marketing. It maintains and operates six Websites, including: alliancecreativegroup.com, stlouispackaging.com, stlgraphics.com, snapgraphics.com, IMAGEchicago.com and TicketHotLink.com.

Creative & Design

The Company offers graphic design services. It specializes in print and Web design solutions. The Company�� Creative & Design services include advertising campaigns, brand identity, brochures, business cards, catalogs, direct mail, flyers, logos, manuals/media kit, marketing materials, package design, POP display, postcards, PowerPoint template design, sales kit, stationary and Websites.

Printing & Packaging

Printing & Packaging

The Company�� printing division, STL Graphics Group offers printing services from design to delivery. Snap Graphics is a commercial printing company specializing in off-set, large format, silk screen, and digital printing. It printing services include design support, digital printing, direct mail, inventory management, mailing services, media, packaging, sheet-fed, and Web. The Company�� Bindery services include collating, drilling, folding, GBC binding, padding, saddle stitching and tabbing. Its Logistics services include local, regional, and national warehousing, inventory control and analysis, multi carrier freight, auto replenishment, automated and manual pick and pack, around-the-clock distribution, order tracking, assembly and kit building, order consolidation and direct field requisition.

The Packaging division at ACG (St. Louis Packaging) provides a variety of solutions. It offers options catered to individual needs, as well as over 10,000 stock supplies for everyday use. It offe! rs a range of standard supplies used in everyday packing and shipping, from corrugated boxes to fasteners and adhesive. The Company offers over 10,000 products from brands, such as 3M, Sealed Air, Intertape, Rubbermaid and Ivex. St. Louis Packaging offers a variety of products, including recycled cartons, recycled stuffing and wrapping papers and recycled polyethylene.

Product Development

Alliance Creative Group has created a product development division focused on getting products to retail and building brand equity for clients. ACG offers services in every phase of the product life cycle, including creation, marketing, placement, distribution and management. It offers services, such as product creation, product marketing, product placement, product distribution and brand management.

Event Marketing

The Company�� event marketing division has experience in strategy, creative, production, promotion, execution, and evaluation of events ranging from 20-4000 attendees. Its services include Creative design, Entertainment, Email blasts, Event planning and marketing, Event strategy, Food and drinks, Mobile marketing, Partnerships, Site selection and venue contacting Survey and evaluation, Theme development and Ticket Brokering.

Business Consulting & Strategic Marketing

Alliance Creative Group (ACG) is the Company�� consulting division. The division offers business advisory, consulting and marketing services. ACG develops business and marketing plans, draft press releases, create and maintain social media campaigns, provide funding, make introductions to investment bankers or other funding and take companies public. ACG helps with Business Development, Strategic Planning, Marketing and Product Development.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  Small cap stocks Alliance Creative Group Inc (OTCMKTS: ACGX), Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure Inc (OTCMKTS: DJRT), Inscor Inc (OTCMKTS: IOGA) and Solar Thin Films Inc (OTCMKTS: SLTZ) have all been getting some attention lately in various investment newsletters and it should come as no surprise that two out of four of these stocks have been the subject of paid promotions ��which tend to benefit traders. However, two out of four of these stocks also have pretty good financials for being small cap OTC stocks and that might make them attractive to investors with a long term time horizon. So which of these stocks might make traders some profits in the short term and investors some profits over the longer term? Here is a closer look to help you decide:

Top 10 Electric Utility Stocks To Own For 2014: Tesoro Logistics LP(TLLP)

Tesoro Logistics LP engages in the ownership, operation, development, and acquisition of crude oil and refined products logistics assets in the United States. The company is involved in the gathering, terminalling, transportation, and storage of crude oil and refined products. Its assets consist of a crude oil gathering system in the Bakken Shale/Williston Basin area of North Dakota and Montana; eight refined products terminals in the midwestern and western United States; a crude oil and refined products storage facility; and five related short-haul pipelines. The company was founded in 2010 and is based in San Antonio, Texas. Tesoro Logistics LP is a subsidiary of Tesoro Corporation.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Robert Rapier]

  RRMS didn’t see the same kind of price surge in 2013 as ACMP, so offers a more generous  annualized yield of 5.2 percent. RRMS also has a lower total debt/equity (mrq), at 22 percent versus ACMP’s 71 percent. For Q3 2013, RRMS reported $15.4 million in adjusted EBITDA, a year-over-year increase of 65 percent. In comparison, adjusted EBITDA for the 2013 third quarter totaled $227 million for ACMP, an increase of 90 percent year-over-year.

  Tesoro Logistics (NYSE: TLLP) was spun off by the refiner Tesoro (NYSE: TSO) in 2011 to operate pipelines leading to and from its plants. TLLP’s assets consist of a crude oil gathering system in the Williston Basin area of North Dakota and Montana, 17 refined product and storage terminals, three dedicated storage facilities, four California marine terminals, a rail unloading facility, and a petroleum coke handling facility.
  
  Distributions have  grown steadily since the IPO, from $1.35 per unit (annualized) in Q2 2011 to the current annualized level of $2.18/unit. At a current unit price of $53.49, TLLP is well off its 52-week high of $71.92. Distributions have increased each quarter since the IPO, and units currently have a yield of 4.2 percent. But investors should be wary given that TLLP is highly leveraged. Its total debt/equity (mrq) is nearly 400 percent, much higher than most competitors.

  Of the three MLPs — ACMP, RRMS and TLLP — RRMS looks best at the moment with the least downside risk. It is by far the least-leveraged, didn’t have a huge run-up in 2013 that depressed its yield, and it has managed to steadily grow revenues and distributions since its IPO.